Rome, Florence and Venice form the classic first trip to Italy for a simple reason: three very different cities sit in a straight line, joined by trains fast enough that you lose barely half a day to travel. In one week you can stand in the Colosseum, look up at Michelangelo's David and drift down the Grand Canal. This day-by-day plan shows how to fit it all in without rushing.
The Plan at a Glance
- Days 1 to 3: Rome
- Days 4 and 5: Florence
- Days 6 and 7: Venice
Book an open-jaw ticket that arrives in Rome and departs from Venice, or the reverse. It saves a full day of backtracking. You can price multi-city routes on SkySparrows flights.
Days 1 to 3: Rome
Day 1: The Ancient City
Begin at the Colosseum with a pre-booked timed ticket, which also admits you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill next door. Give the three sites most of the morning. Later, climb the Capitoline Hill for a sweeping view across the Forum, and spend the evening over dinner in the lanes of Monti.
Day 2: The Vatican
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel need a reservation and an early start; the first entry slots are the calmest. Afterward, walk into St. Peter's Basilica, which is free to enter, and climb the dome if your legs allow. Cross the river in the late afternoon to Trastevere for some of the most enjoyable eating in the city.
Day 3: The Historic Center on Foot
Link the great squares and monuments in one long walk: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Go early to beat the crowds, and stop for gelato as often as you like.
Rome to Florence by Train
High-speed services run by Trenitalia and Italo leave Roma Termini for Firenze Santa Maria Novella throughout the day and take about one and a half hours. Fares are lowest when booked a few weeks ahead. Our Europe by train guide explains how tickets and reservations work.
Days 4 and 5: Florence
Day 4: The Renaissance City
Start with Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo; climbing it requires a timed reservation. Then visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. In the afternoon, walk through Piazza della Signoria and across the Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge lined with jewelers' shops.
Day 5: Art, Views and the Countryside
Spend the morning in the Uffizi Gallery among Botticelli, Leonardo and Raphael. For the afternoon, either take a half-day trip to Pisa, Siena or the Chianti hills, or stay in town and walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best sunset view of the city.
Florence to Venice by Train
Direct high-speed trains reach Venezia Santa Lucia in a little over two hours. Make sure your ticket says Santa Lucia, which is on the islands. Venezia Mestre is the mainland stop.
Days 6 and 7: Venice
Day 6: St. Mark's and the Grand Canal
Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace first thing, before day-trippers arrive. Ride vaporetto line 1 the full length of the Grand Canal for a slow tour of palaces at water-bus prices, then cross the Rialto Bridge and lose yourself in the back streets. Getting lost is half the pleasure.
Day 7: Lagoon Islands
Take the vaporetto to Murano to watch glassblowers at work and on to Burano for its brightly painted fishermen's houses. Come back for a final evening stroll through the quieter Cannaregio or Dorsoduro districts.
Where to Base Yourself
- Rome: Around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona for walkability, Monti for character, or near Termini for value and transport.
- Florence: Anywhere in the historic center, which is small enough to cross on foot in 20 minutes.
- Venice: On the islands if your budget allows; Mestre on the mainland is cheaper and ten minutes away by train.
Browse options in all three cities on SkySparrows hotels.
Practical Tips for Italy
- Reserve the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo climb well in advance. Peak dates sell out.
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches.
- If you use a paper regional train ticket, stamp it in the platform machine before boarding to avoid a fine.
- Restaurants commonly add a coperto, a small cover charge per person. Tipping beyond that is not expected.
- Hotels collect a local tourist tax per person per night, usually on checkout.
- Venice charges day visitors an access fee on certain busy dates. Overnight guests are exempt but may need to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a week enough for all three cities?
Yes. Seven days covers the highlights comfortably. With ten days you could add the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre or the Tuscan countryside.
When should I go?
April to June and September to October offer warm days without the worst of the summer heat and crowds. See the best time to visit Europe for more.
Must I book attractions ahead?
For the major museums and monuments, yes. Advance tickets often save hours of queuing and are the only way in on busy days.
Start Putting It Together
Lock in flights first, then trains, then timed tickets for the big sights. Everything else, from long lunches to evening walks, can be left to the day.
